Nairobi News

When I heard news of Tony Kukuni aka Ryno’s sudden demise, I was shattered. I could not hold back my tears. I cried the whole day because I had lost a friend, a son and an agile student.

I met Tony in 2007 while he was a form two student at Bungoma High School where I was given an opportunity by the school’s drama club to script and direct a play for them.

Though I didn’t assign him a major role, he was a brilliant, active and dedicated member of the cast. This agility made his school mates to nickname him Rynoh, short for rhinoceros.

In 2008, I scripted and directed another play titled ‘The producer is also acting.’ In this classical tragi- comedy, Tony was acting the role of Barnabas, the antagonist in the play who was a shrewd, conniving teacher of Maendeleo Secondary school.

BEST UPCOMING ACTOR

Alongside his childhood friend called Chris Wangalwa, Tony executed his role so meticulously that during the 2008 national drama festival in Nakuru, he was named the best upcoming actor. His commitment and hard work towards this play saw it scoop seven awards at the nationals.

This excellence made Tony be nominated the school captain in charge of entertainment, clubs and societies.

In 2009 I scripted another stage play titled ‘Let madness be madness’ where Tony acted as a major character alongside his other childhood friend called Howard Lumumba.

While approaching KCSE, Tony found himself in trouble with the school administration for extending entertainment hours from 10p.m to 11 p.m, he was sent home indefinitely and consequently sitting his examination as a day scholar. During this period I lived with him briefly before getting him another house close to his school for easier accessibility to school.

In 2010, fresh from high school armed with his talent and dedication, Tony requested me to scout for him a good college that would accommodate his talent in drama and theatre arts. Together with Cleophas Malala, an MCA in Kakamega county, we got him a full scholarship at East African Media Institute where he studied a diploma in Broadcast journalism and performing arts.

During this period, he was instrumental in scripting, acting and directing plays for this college up to the national level.

RADIO CAREER

Tony respected and always consulted me in matters related to his career and talent. While in his last year in college he requested me to introduce him to West FM Bungoma where he would be attached for six months.

After completing his studies, Tony was employed at QFM as a lead presenter until the fateful day.

Tony was creative and ambitious. He had already established his clothing line and developed a showbiz brand that would have given him an impetus in entertainment and entrepreneurship.

I mourn Tony, I will miss his sarcastic and humorous moments. He was open- minded, transparent and humble. He was not easily angered but was easily apologetic once he realized his mistakes.

Fare thee well my son. Rest in peace Ryno.